4. TACKLE TOUGH AREAS
Bathtub
The best way to clean the bathtub is to stand inside it. Using scouring powder and a tub brush, scrub aggressively at each difficult stain. Be sure to collect all the soap-scummy hair that's accumulated in the drain - if you don't want to touch it with your bare hands (and we don't blame you), try using an old, slim comb or hairbrush. For rinsing the tub, it's convenient to use a clean mop to go over the entire bottom area. The tiles in the shower can be cleaned easily using a sponge and the above-mentioned mildew-removing cleaner. For the cheapies out there, a solution of ¾ cup liquid chlorine bleach mixed with a gallon of water works just as well. Leave the solution on for at least five minutes before rinsing, and then let it air dry.
Refrigerator
To clean the refrigerator and freezer, remove all the food from it (or, if you're like us, the lone ketchup bottle and stale English muffin). Be sure to toss out any identifiable lumps during this process. Use good ol' soap and water to wipe down the inside, scrubbing extra hard at the most difficult stains on the drawers and shelves. When you clean your freezer, make sure not to bang your head on the bottom of the door as you reach for some more soap. Don't laugh…it happens. Wipe down the outside of the doors with glass cleaner (who says it's just for glass?!) and paper towels.
Toilet
What's the most trying, the most disgusting, the most discolored, smelly and degrading part of your apartment? Yep, it's the toilet bowl (also known by one of it's countless other names: the pot, the crapper, the john, the toi-toi). In any case, because so many yucky things get flushed down this thing, it is almost always in desperate need of a cleaning. First, lift up the cover and squeeze some toilet bowl cleaning solution (or sprinkle some scouring powder) around the edge of the inside of the bowl. Use a toilet brush to soap up the entire bowl, making sure to remove all of the stains. Then, flush at least once to make sure that the dirty water is taken away and clean water returns to the bowl to rinse it out. Any common household cleaner can be used to clean the outside of the bowl, as well as the cover, seat and base. Be sure to christen your newly-cleaned toilet when done.
Oven
Nothing's grosser than hardened, bubbled-over cheese that's settled onto the bottom of your oven. Here's how to deal: First, remove all the oven racks and place them in warm, soapy water. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees, then turn it off and spray the inside with an oven cleaner. After the cleaner's soaked in for about 10 minutes, wipe away all the greasy dirt with a damp sponge. Be sure to rinse the sponge frequently, and finish the whole process off by drying the inside of the oven with a soft, dry cloth. Oh yeah, and remember to put the racks back inside.
